tigerfish:
Was it anything to do with the extended coverage that that machine was expected to serve since the amalgamation of forces? Is the same Elephant stalking UK operations with the depleted fleet? Was the Control; room over controling and demanding too much from that aircraft so short of fuel? The answers will be in those control room tapes! Bet your bottom dollar on it!
This is precisely why in the UK we have a professional pilot on board, who is not a police officer, rather than a seconded police officer who does the driving! The police may 'believe' they have overwhelming priorities. Even though frequently as keen as most Observers, the pilot always remains the final 'detached' arbiter of what is possible.
But I agree, NPAS is a p1ss poor service in comparison with the amazing service that was initially built from scratch!